Universiti Kuala Lumpur British Malaysian Institute (UniKL BMI) is strategically positioned to play a key role in supplying the national talent pool required to meet Malaysia’s estimated demand for 62,000 professionals in the renewable energy and energy-related sectors.
This is further reinforced by the launch of the Sustainable Energy Living Lab (SELL) at UniKL BMI, Malaysia’s first net-zero or energy-plus building.
The facility enhances the institute’s capacity to train highly skilled professionals, including those certified up to the Chargeman B4 category, in support of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
SELL was officially launched by YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Rural and Regional Development, during his working visit to UniKL BMI on 15 December 2025.
During the visit, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid highlighted the strategic role of UniKL BMI as an Energy Commission (ST) Accreditation Centre for machinery maintenance (Chargeman) competency training, as well as a renewable energy competency centre under the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia.
Expressing his appreciation, he noted that the implementation of high-value TVET at UniKL BMI aligns with national aspirations, particularly in strategic fields such as semiconductors and energy.
He added that by the end of the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (RMK-13), the government aims for 70% of SPM school leavers to pursue high-value Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) pathways.
Currently, the achievement stands at 53.9%, leaving a gap of approximately 17% to reach the target.
He expressed confidence that ongoing efforts by UniKL and its faculties, together with other TVET institutions, will contribute significantly towards achieving this goal, while continuing to support conventional programmes that serve other sectors.
The Deputy Prime Minister toured several key facilities at UniKL BMI, including the High Voltage and Semiconductor laboratories.
Also present during the visit were Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, YB Datuk Hajah Rubiah Haji Wang; Chairman of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Datuk Wira Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dato’ Dusuki; MARA Deputy Director General (Entrepreneurship), Encik Zahari Aziz; Group Chief Executive Officer of MARA Corporation Sdn Bhd, Encik Yahaya Sani; President and Chief Executive Officer of UniKL, Prof. Ir. Dr. Azman Senin; and Head of Campus and Dean of UniKL BMI, Ts. Dr. Zulkifli Mahmoodin.
The visit signifies national recognition of UniKL BMI’s leadership in human capital development within the TVET ecosystem, particularly in electrical energy, electronics, semiconductors, telecommunications, and electronic biomedical engineering.
Currently, UniKL BMI has an enrolment of 2,235 students from both local and international backgrounds and has produced 11,260 alumni since its establishment.
The graduate employability rate for 2024 stands at 97.2%, reflecting the government’s aspiration to produce a highly competent and industry-ready workforce.
Programmes offered at UniKL BMI are aligned with Malaysia’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education through accessible, affordable, and hands-on technical learning pathways.
Being the first net-zero building in Malaysia, SELL is equipped with rooftop and façade-mounted solar panels, thermal and electrical energy storage systems, and smart building management technology, achieving energy savings of up to 51%.
Through this facility, students receive hands-on training in solar photovoltaic (PV) system design, energy storage solutions, and building energy monitoring, in line with the NETR target of achieving 70% renewable energy usage by 2050.
Through these initiatives, UniKL BMI contributes to expanding access to reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by producing certified solar professionals and Registered Energy Managers (REM).
